With multiple providers of MA Plumbing Continuing Education, it can be tough to figure out which one you should go with for your required training. This article discusses specifically what you should look for when selecting your plumber continuing education.
Find a provider who is state approved
The most important step when looking at plumbing continuing ed. classes is to verify that the course you choose is approved by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. The last thing you want to do is invest your time and money into a course that isn't approved, which would result in your license renewal getting rejected by the state.
To check if a MA Plumbing Continuing Education course is approved, visit the state's list of approved providers here.
Ensure the provider offers all of the sessions you need
All MA licensed plumbers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years without repetition, and must be current on CE including all sessions in sequence (sessions 8, 9, 10, etc.) from when your license was issued to current day, without skipping any sessions. Each year, a new session is released.
Because you're not allowed to skip any sessions, you may find that you need to "catch up" on previous sessions before you can renew your license. If that's the case, you need to find a plumbing continuing ed. provider that offers all of the sessions you need. For example, at the time of this writing (Feb. 2024), At Leisure is offering Sessions 9-16. Session 17 will be available later in 2024, and Session 18 will be available in 2025.
Consider what course format fits best into your schedule
When it comes to MA plumbing continuing ed. classes, you'll find all different types being offered: in person, online, text-based, and video-based.
Some people prefer in-person classes because they are led by an instructor versus having to read a text-based course online. In-person classes are six hours long and are typically held on weekends or weeknights. The weeknight classes can run pretty late since they're six hour courses. Locations are usually limited, which may mean you have a bit of a drive ahead of you. If you choose to take an in-person class, it's important that you arrive early, because you may be turned away if you're even 10 minutes late. You must be present for the full six hours to get credit.
Online courses are far more flexible, typically giving you 24/7 course access that you can complete at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. When considering online providers, you'll want to find out which courses are mobile-friendly if you plan on taking your learning on-the-go. You may also want a course that has professional audio narration so you can listen rather than read (and watch out for those with the computerized voices, which may drive you a little insane).
While most online courses are slideshow-based, At Leisure recently launched a one-of-a-kind video-based format for Session 16, which gives you the benefits of a classroom course combined with the convenience of an online course. You get the face-to-face experience with your instructor, an industry expert, leading you through this year's updates sharing personal insight and experience that you can relate to a lot easier than a bunch of text on a screen.
These are all things to consider as you think about which course type will fit in best with your busy schedule.
Find a course that doesn't expire right away.
If you decide to take an online continuing education course, one thing you'll want to watch for is the course subscription period. Some providers only offer a very short window of time for you to access your course. You want to make sure you're given enough time to complete your six hour course and get your certificate of completion. At Leisure offers a 4-month subscription with free extensions should you need more time.
If your company has multiple employees needing MA Plumbing Continuing Education, find a provider with group discounts and features.
With multiple MA plumbers and gas fitters working at the same company, continuing ed. costs can add up quickly. Find a provider that offers group discounts to save on this important and necessary expense.
At Leisure offers FREE group accounts that not only include a 25% discount on MA plumber continuing education, but also have numerous group account features built in that make it easier to manage multiple employees' licenses and training needs.
In short, there are a number of things to consider when selecting your MA Plumbing Continuing Education provider. You'll want to take a state-approved course for each of the Plumbing Sessions you need, identify the format and subscription length that works best with your schedule, and find a provider that offers solutions aligning with your business's needs.
To learn more about At Leisure's Mass. Plumbing Continuing Ed. courses, click the button below:
